Flying to Europe? Here’s how to get a free (or cheap) stopover on the way
If you are flying to Europe, some airlines are offering a free stopover while others offer major discounts on hotel stays and more.
When Qantas announced its ultra-long-haul Project Sunrise plan for non-stop flights between Australia’s east coast and destinations like London, continental Europe and New York – some predicted the death of the stopover.
Etihad offers passengers a free stopover in Abu Dhabi, including complimentary hotel accommodation.Credit: iStock
Surely, it was thought, the opportunity to get the air travel over and done with in less time would bring a death knell for the option that actually added time door-to-door.
But those reports of the demise of the stopover were greatly exaggerated. Airlines still think there’s value in offering them – and some are even offering them for free. It’s really just a matter of knowing how to book.
Etihad Airways has just launched Abu Dhabi Stopover (etihad.com), a program that invites its customers to stay for free for up to two nights in its Middle Eastern base.
The sweet deal comes with access to a free sightseeing shuttle and up to 30 per cent off dining and attractions.
Emirates is offering passengers a free night at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai.Credit: Getty Images
If you think it’s not entirely new, you are correct – Etihad previously offered stopover packages. However, the new program can now be optioned as part of the booking process, with hotel confirmations coming as soon as a ticket is secured. You had to go looking for it previously.
There’s a wide range of hotels to choose from and there is also an option to stay up to four nights for a small fee.
For those stopping over in Dubai for more than 24 hours, competitor Emirates is offering a complimentary stay at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, one night for premium economy passengers and economy, and two for business and first class.
It’s only available to book until July 21, however, for stays July 4 to September 15 this year.
Plenty of airlines offer free hotels and touring but these are for layovers – usually of between six to 24 hours – and the accommodation and entertainment are only available if there is no shorter connection time available.
However, some carriers do have active offers that allow breaks in the journey either for free or a small fee. Unlike Etihad they’re not throwing in your hotels and sightseeing for free, but are still worth consideration.
If you’re flying from Australia to Europe with Japan Airlines (JAL) for example, a FLEX fare ticket has no restrictions or fees on stopovers. Business and premium cabin (standard fare) customers are entitled to two stops – one per direction. Economy class (standard fare) flyers can snag the same for $100 a stop.
You could also add on JAL’s Explorer Pass (jal.co.jp) which will give you domestic flights in Japan to further spread your wings from about $75.
China Airlines travellers can stop over in Taiwan along the journey.Credit: iStock
Taiwan’s China Airlines (china-airlines.com) offers a stopover program for travellers heading anywhere in Asia via Taipei. If you book a return standard or flex ticket and select the multi-city and stopover option, you can enjoy a few days in Taiwan along the journey.
Emirates (emirates.com) is one of those with a standing offer for layovers between eight to 26 hours of complimentary hotel accommodation, transfers, meals and a visa to enter the UAE.
Outside of this, the My Emirates Pass allows those alighting in Dubai – whether on stopover or as their final destination – to use their Emirates boarding pass for offers and discounts on attractions and activities, including At The Top Burj Khalifa, the Palm Monorail, The View at the Palm, City Sightseeing, Aquaventure Waterpark, IMG Worlds of Adventure or Dubai Parks and Resorts.
Use Emirates’ Dubai Experience on the airline’s website to choose experiences such as desert safaris, city tours, spa treatments, and theme park visits.
Qatar Airways (qatarairways.com) offers hotels at vastly discounted rates. Similarly to Emirates, it offers free accommodation or a transit tour if the best available connection falls between eight and 24 hours. You could go sand dune bashing and be back at Hamad International Airport in time to meet your connection.
Alternatively, the airline offers three different tiers of stopover packages: standard, premium and luxury with hotels in the base category starting at $14 a person a night to $54 a person a night in the luxe category.
To get access to the deals, choose “Qatar stopover” and follow the prompts.
If you think Qantas (qantas.com) doesn’t offer stopover options, think again. When you fly with Qantas or any partner Oneworld airline, airfares can include stopovers for no extra cost. Members of Singapore Airlines’ (singaporeair.com) PPS Club and KrisFlyer rewards program are privy to complimentary stopovers up to 30 days in length on “eligible award redemption ticket types”.
Cathay Pacific (cathaypacific.com) has stopover arrangements and when you book the new kid on the flying-to-Australia block, Turkish Airlines (turkishairlines.com) there are free hotels and tours in Istanbul on offer if your best connection is a minimum of 20 hours. For connections over six hours, you can avail yourself of a free city tour.
And if one stop just isn’t enough, then consider around-the-world tickets, which can provide amazing value for those wanting to hop, step, jump and then hop some more around the globe.
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